These soft and gooey purple ube brownies get their bright fun color from ube extract! They taste like the sweet Filipino yam and have a thin sugary crust that crackles when you cut them. The rich white chocolate adds a decadent flavor. Check out the 6-ingredient recipe in this post for tips on making them and finding ube!

Ube brownies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These ube brownies take only 35 minutes from start to finish.
  • They have a bright beautiful purple color.
  • The sweet purple yam flavor makes these brownies unforgettable.
  • Ube has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor with hints of vanilla and coconut. Paired with rich white chocolate, it creates an unforgettable taste.
  • These brownies achieve the holy grail of brownie textures: fudgy on the inside, with a slight chew that keeps you coming back for more.
  • They can be made with gluten free flour or regular flour. Check out these Gluten Free Dessert Recipes for more delicious ideas.
  • Check out these Cosmic Brownies are another fun dessert recipe!

What is Ube?

Ube, also known as purple yam, is a tuberous root vegetable that is popular in Filipino cuisine and other Southeast Asian dishes. It has a distinctive vibrant purple color and a mildly sweet flavor.

Ube is used in a variety of desserts, such as ube halaya (a sweetened pudding-like dessert), ube ice cream, cakes, pastries, and even savory dishes like ube bread and ube-filled pastries.

It is not only appreciated for its unique flavor but also its striking color, which adds visual appeal to dishes.

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for these gluten free ube brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and instructions.

First, use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, that is fine.

White chocolate chips add a sweet and decadent flavor. Use white chocolate chips that melt well. In addition, white chocolate bars work well too.

Granulated sugar helps sweeten these bars.

Ube extract adds a distinct ube color and flavor. This can be easily bought on Amazon.

Eggs help bind these brownies together. Do not replace the eggs in this recipe. If you are egg free, try these Vegan Brownies.

Lastly, use either gluten free flour or regular all purpose flour.

Ingredients for ube brownies.

Taste & Texture

Ube brownies strike an ideal balance between the chewy, dense texture of traditional brownies and the smooth, creamy consistency of ube.

The result is a moist, fudgy brownie with a subtle hint of ube that complements the white chocolate rather than overpowering it.

The exterior has a slight crispness, giving way to the rich, soft interior that brownie lovers cherish.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line an 8 inch by 8 inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the melted butter with white chocolate chips.  Stir until creamy and smooth.  If needed, microwave until melted.

Melted white chocolate in bowl.

Step 3

Then, stir in the sugar, ube extract, and eggs.  Stir to combine.

Purple melted mixture.

Step 4

Add in the gluten free flour.  Stir until a creamy brownie batter is achieved.

Ube brownie batter.

Step 5

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.  Smooth into an even layer.

Purple batter in square pan.

Step 6

Bake for 24 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

Baked ube brownies.

Step 7

Lastly, remove from the oven.  Allow the brownies to cool for an hour before slicing into them.

Sliced white chocolate brownies.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best ube brownies.

Melt the white chocolate chips and butter completely. Stir until fully creamy and melted.

When it comes to ube extract, a little bit goes a long way.

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies towards the end of baking. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfect!

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Check out these fun flavor additions to your ube brownies.

Chocolate Swirl: Take your brownies to the next level by swirling melted white or dark chocolate into the batter for a decadent touch.

Fruity Twist: Consider adding chopped dried fruits like mangoes or strawberries for a delightful flavor.

Nutty Delight: For a textural contrast, chopped nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.

Top with melted white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter!

Close up of purple bars.

How to Serve & Store

Serve these ube brownies once they are cool enough to handle. Serve by themselves, with ice cream, whipped cream, or as part of a dessert spread.

Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving. This helps them set properly and ensures clean cuts.

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze them for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I substitute for ube extract?

If needed, replace with ube jam.

What is the difference between ube extract and ube halaya?

Ube extract can be used for a subtle ube flavor. However, ube halaya adds both flavor and moisture to the brownies.

How do I get chewier brownies?

Bake for a shorter amount of time. Aim for slightly undercooked in the center for the chewiest texture.

Can you freeze ube brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these. Thaw before eating.

Where can I buy ube?

Ube is sold on Amazon. It is sometimes found in Asian food markets as well.

Sliced ube brownies.

Equipment Needed

Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Parchment paper is helpful for easy clean up.

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: I use these mixing bowls every time I make these cosmic brownies.

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Enjoy

If you make this ube brownie recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!  For more sweet treats, check out these Dessert Recipes.

Ube brownies.

Get the Recipe: Ube Brownies

These Ube Brownies blend the unique, sweet flavor of ube with rich white chocolate for a delicious fudgy treat! Perfect for those seeking a fun twist on a classic dessert, they are unforgettable and unique!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch by 8 inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, combine the melted butter with white chocolate chips. Stir until creamy and smooth. If needed, microwave until melted.
  • Then, stir in the sugar, ube extract, and eggs. Stir to combine.
  • Add in the gluten free flour. Stir until a creamy brownie batter is achieved.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth into an even layer.
  • Bake for 24 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
  • Finally, remove from the oven. Allow the brownies to cool for an hour before slicing into.

Notes

  • Stir the melted butter and white chocolate until fully melted and creamy.
  • If needed, microwave the mixture to achieve a smooth consistency.
  • The batter should be very similar to classic brownie batter.
  • Do not bake too long.  A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
  • Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
Calories: 189kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Sodium: 22mg, Potassium: 52mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 211IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 40mg, Iron: 0.4mg

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